The team from TRC Tourism recently presented to the Samoa Tourism Industry Association in Apia about the work they are undertaking as part of the Samoa Tourism Growth Program funded by NZ Aid. Ray Salter and STA Marketing Manager Dwayne Bentley briefed industry representatives about the proposed marketing program and had enthusiastic responses to a workshop exercise about how to best split the budget across a range of initiatives, with investment in online collateral being the most frequent choice. Alistair Henchman and his counterpart Suifua Faamatuainu from Samoa Tourism Authority gave an update on the upgrade program for sites and attractions with engineering design commencing for the new access to To Sua Trench and access at Afu Aau waterfall on Savai’i. Alistair also spoke about the proposals to install tourist signposting across Upon and Savai’i. Dave Bamford and counterpart Sheena Ng Lam spoke about the planned training program focussing on basic front of house roles for those involved in providing services for visitors.
Chair of STIA Adele Kruse said she was pleased with the engagement of the forum with the TRC team and thanked NZ Aid and team leader Janet Mackay for the great work done to date.
